Finance Outreach For Technical Talent

Reviewed by Fallon Han· Updated 2026-06-01 06:04:25.885

This conversation was generated using Cook'd AI's career assistant and reviewed by Fallon Han from our editorial team for accuracy.

I'm a final-year maths undergrad in the UK on a graduate route visa, and I'm pivoting from research into investment banking. I need help finding the right bankers to contact and writing the first outreach email. I also want an example of what to send if they do not reply.

Absolutely. For your profile, the key is to sound technical, focused, and easy to help. Start by targeting alumni, analysts, and associates in groups that value quantitative thinking, such as markets, structuring, risk, or fintech-adjacent teams. For finding contacts, use your university alumni page, LinkedIn filters, and event speaker lists. Prioritise people with a similar academic background or a UK-based career path. You do not need a huge list. Ten to fifteen well chosen contacts is enough to start. A strong first message should do three things: 1. Say who you are in one line. 2. Mention one relevant quantitative project or research angle. 3. Make a simple ask for a short coffee chat. Example first email: Subject: Maths student exploring IB careers Hi [Name], I am a final-year maths student at [University], currently on a graduate route visa, and I am exploring a move into investment banking after a research-focused degree. My work has been quite quantitative, including [brief project example], and I have been speaking with people to better understand how that kind of background translates to banking. I know you are busy, but I would really appreciate a 15 minute coffee chat at a time that suits you to hear about your path into [team or division]. Best, [Your Name] The tone should be confident but not over-explaining. If you want, I can also help you tailor this for a specific type of banker, like analyst versus associate.

That helps. Could you make the wording more specific for my maths background? I have a dissertation and a modelling project, and I want to mention them without sounding too academic or like I am asking for a job directly.

Yes, keep it light and commercially relevant. You want to signal technical credibility, not turn the email into a CV. Use one short line that connects your work to finance. For example: - "My dissertation focused on stochastic modelling, and I have also built a pricing model for a university project." - "I have spent the final year working on a quantitative dissertation and a modelling project, which has made me particularly interested in how technical thinking is used in banking." Then link that to your outreach ask: - "I would be grateful for a brief coffee chat to learn how someone with a maths background can position themselves well for your area." - "If you have 15 minutes in the coming weeks, I would love to hear how you made the transition into [team]." A good structure is: Hi [Name], I am a final-year maths student at [University], and I am currently exploring investment banking after a research-heavy degree. My dissertation focused on [topic], and I also completed a modelling project on [topic], so I have been thinking more about how quantitative skills fit into banking. I would be very grateful for a short coffee chat if you are open to it. I would especially value your perspective on breaking into [team or division] from a technical background. Best, [Your Name] This feels specific without sounding like a request for a role. If you want, I can now draft a follow-up message for non-response that stays polite but nudges them.

Yes, please give me a second message strategy. I do not want to sound pushy, but I also do not want to be too passive if they ignore the first email.

A good follow-up is short, polite, and useful. Do not apologise too much or rewrite the whole first email. Assume they were busy. Send the follow-up about 5 to 7 business days later. If possible, add a small new angle, such as a clearer reason for reaching out or a tighter ask. Example second message: Hi [Name], Just wanted to follow up on my note below in case it got buried. I am a final-year maths student at [University] and I am especially interested in how analytical skills and modelling experience translate into [team or division]. If you have 15 minutes for a quick coffee chat, I would really value the chance to learn from your experience. Best, [Your Name] If you want a slightly stronger version, you can add: - "I understand you are likely very busy, so even a brief call would be greatly appreciated." - "If now is not a good time, I would still be grateful to connect in the future." A good tactic is to stop at two messages. If there is no response, move on and keep building your list. You can also try a different contact at the same firm, ideally someone more junior or someone from your university.

How do I make the coffee chat ask sound natural, especially if I am targeting analysts or associates? I do not want it to feel like I am trying to extract a favour.

The trick is to frame it as learning, not asking for favour or access. Analysts and associates are usually more responsive when the message is specific, short, and respectful of time. You can use phrasing like: - "I would really value 15 minutes of your time to hear how you think about the transition from a quantitative degree into banking." - "I am trying to learn from people who have made the move into [team], and your perspective would be especially helpful." - "If you are open to it, I would love to buy you a coffee and ask a couple of questions about your path." For analysts, keep it practical and peer-like. For associates, be a little more polished and focused on career path and decision-making. Example for an analyst: Hi [Name], I am a final-year maths student at [University], and I have been speaking with people about how technical students can break into investment banking. Your background stood out to me, especially given my dissertation and modelling project. If you would be open to it, I would really appreciate 15 minutes for a coffee chat to hear how you approached the move into [team]. Best, [Your Name] Example for an associate: Hi [Name], I am a final-year maths student at [University] exploring investment banking after a research-focused degree. My recent dissertation and modelling work have made me especially interested in how analytical training is applied in [team]. If you have 15 minutes, I would be very grateful for a brief coffee chat to learn more about your path and any advice you might have for someone in my position. Best, [Your Name] The wording is natural because it emphasises learning and keeps the ask small.

Should I mention that I am on a graduate route visa in the outreach, or is that too much detail? Also, how many people should I contact before I expect replies?

Only mention the visa if it is relevant to the conversation or if the person is based in the UK and you think it affects your timing. Even then, keep it brief. Do not make it the centre of the message. A simple way to include it, if needed, is: - "I am currently on a graduate route visa and exploring UK opportunities after my degree." That is enough. The main message should still be about your interest, your quantitative background, and the coffee chat ask. As for volume, aim for consistency rather than mass messaging. A sensible approach is: - Build a list of 15 to 20 targeted contacts - Send 5 to 8 well tailored messages each week - Follow up once after 5 to 7 business days - Keep track of who replied, who ignored you, and which wording got responses Do not judge success by immediate replies. In networking, a 10 to 20 percent response rate can already be useful if your targeting is good. If you want, I can next help you create a message specifically for alumni from your university, which often performs better than a generic banker outreach.